Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Experience Uganda’s Only Wild Rhino Tracking Destination – By SamZ Tours Uganda

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a must-visit conservation success story located in Nakasongola District, in the heart of Uganda, approximately 176 kilometers north of Kampala. It is the only place in the country where visitors can track wild rhinos on foot in their natural habitat. Established in 2005, the sanctuary is a joint project between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. Its mission is to reintroduce Southern White Rhinos to Uganda, after they were declared extinct in the country in the early 1980s due to poaching and civil unrest.

Covering about 70 square kilometers of savannah and woodland, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary provides a safe and protected environment for rhinos to thrive and reproduce. Besides rhinos, the sanctuary is home to more than 40 mammal species and 300 bird species, making it an ideal stopover for tourists heading to Murchison Falls National Park. With guided walking tours, birdwatching, nature walks, and night safaris, visitors can enjoy an immersive wildlife experience while supporting conservation efforts.

At SamZ Tours Uganda, we offer tailor-made trips to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, blending thrilling wildlife encounters with the satisfaction of contributing to rhino conservation. Whether you are a solo traveler, photographer, or family looking for an authentic African experience, this sanctuary is an inspiring place to start or end your Ugandan safari.

 

History and Conservation Goals of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

From Extinction to Revival

The story behind Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of hope, dedication, and conservation triumph. Uganda once had both black and white rhinoceroses roaming its national parks, especially in the northern and western regions. However, due to intense poaching and political instability during the 1970s and 1980s, these magnificent animals were wiped out. The extinction of rhinos in Uganda was a significant blow to the country’s biodiversity and tourism.

To reverse this tragedy, a group of passionate conservationists and stakeholders initiated a long-term project to reintroduce Southern White Rhinos. In 2005, the first group of six rhinos was brought into the sanctuary—four from Kenya and two from the United States. With 24-hour security and dedicated veterinary care, the sanctuary became a model of rhino protection and rehabilitation. Today, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary boasts over 30 rhinos, including several calves born within the sanctuary—a clear sign of success.

The ultimate goal of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is to breed a stable rhino population that can be reintroduced into Uganda’s national parks, especially Murchison Falls National Park, where rhinos once roamed freely. This reintroduction will help restore Uganda’s “Big Five” game list, which includes lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.

Visitors to the sanctuary directly support these goals through entrance fees and tour bookings. At SamZ Tours Uganda, we are proud to promote sustainable travel that contributes to such meaningful causes. Your visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary helps secure a future for rhinos in Uganda.

 

Rhino Tracking Experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Walk With Giants in the Wild

One of the most thrilling activities at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is rhino tracking on foot—a rare and exhilarating opportunity that few places in the world can offer. Unlike traditional game drives, rhino tracking at Ziwa allows visitors to leave their vehicles and explore the savannah on foot, guided by professional rangers and armed security personnel. This activity provides an up-close and personal experience with Uganda’s only wild rhinos, giving you a deeper appreciation for their behavior, biology, and conservation status.

The tracking usually begins with a briefing at the visitor center, where rangers explain safety protocols and provide fascinating information about rhinos. You then embark on a guided walk through the sanctuary, following signs like dung piles, footprints, and feeding areas. As you approach the rhinos—sometimes as close as 10 meters—your guide will ensure safety and provide commentary on the rhino’s habits, territorial markings, and family dynamics.

Rhino tracking takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the location of the animals. Morning and late afternoon are the best times to go, as rhinos are more active during cooler hours. Tracking is open to all age groups, though children under six years may not be permitted in certain situations.

At SamZ Tours Uganda, we make it easy for travelers to include rhino tracking in their itinerary, whether en route to Murchison Falls or as a standalone experience. Walking alongside these majestic creatures in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is an unforgettable memory and a powerful conservation encounter.

 

Birdwatching and Other Wildlife in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

More Than Just Rhinos

While rhinos are the main stars of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the area is also a haven for birders and nature lovers. With over 300 recorded bird species, the sanctuary is recognized as a birding hotspot in Uganda. One of the most sought-after species here is the shoebill stork, a rare and prehistoric-looking bird that attracts birdwatchers from around the world. The shoebill is often spotted in the swampy areas of the sanctuary, especially during early morning canoe rides.

Other bird species commonly sighted include grey crowned cranes, African fish eagles, martial eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, and a variety of hornbills and bee-eaters. Birding activities are guided by experienced local birders who know where to find specific species and how to maximize your sighting opportunities.

Apart from birds, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is also home to other wildlife species such as bushbucks, waterbucks, warthogs, monkeys, mongoose, and even occasional sightings of leopards. The sanctuary’s ecosystem of woodlands, savannahs, and wetlands provides a perfect backdrop for guided nature walks, night walks, and canoe excursions.

For those who want more than a single activity, SamZ Tours Uganda offers combination packages that include rhino tracking, birdwatching, and game viewing all in one. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about Uganda’s wildlife, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers more than just rhinos—it’s a full-on eco-experience.

 

Community Involvement and Sustainable Tourism

Empowering Locals Through Conservation

One of the key pillars of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is its commitment to community empowerment and sustainable tourism. The sanctuary operates in close collaboration with surrounding communities, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit local people. Jobs created through tourism—such as rangers, guides, lodge staff, and security—provide steady incomes to families who might otherwise depend on unsustainable land use or poaching.

Additionally, the sanctuary runs several outreach programs that support education, healthcare, and community development. Schools and women’s groups in the nearby villages benefit from proceeds generated through tourism, creating a shared sense of responsibility for wildlife protection.

Visitors are also encouraged to learn about the cultural aspects of the area. Guided community visits allow tourists to interact with local residents, taste traditional foods, and hear stories from elders. This helps foster mutual understanding and appreciation between travelers and hosts.

At SamZ Tours Uganda, we believe that responsible travel has the power to uplift communities and protect wildlife simultaneously. Every visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary not only helps conserve rhinos but also contributes to the wellbeing of local families. It’s tourism with a purpose—an experience that gives back.

 

How to Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with SamZ Tours Uganda

Planning Your Trip Made Easy

Visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is easy with SamZ Tours Uganda. Located just off the Kampala-Gulu highway, it is a convenient stop for travelers heading to or from Murchison Falls National Park. Most visitors include Ziwa as part of a 3-day Murchison Falls Safari, but it can also be visited on a day trip or combined with longer itineraries covering other national parks in Uganda.

The sanctuary has well-maintained walking trails, secure parking, and accommodation facilities, including guest lodges, tented camps, and a restaurant offering local and international cuisine. All tracking activities are organized with strict adherence to safety and environmental guidelines.

SamZ Tours Uganda offers fully guided tours that include transportation, meals, entrance fees, and activities. Whether you want to spend a few hours tracking rhinos or enjoy a full day of birding and exploration, we tailor each tour to your preferences and budget.

Let us take the stress out of planning and help you create lasting memories at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary—where conservation meets adventure.

 

Conclusion: Why Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a Must-Visit

Conservation, Adventure, and Connection

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stands as a symbol of hope and restoration in Uganda’s conservation history. It’s not just a place to see rhinos—it’s a destination that embodies the values of responsible tourism, wildlife protection, and community support. From thrilling rhino tracking experiences to peaceful birdwatching and cultural interactions, every moment spent at Ziwa is both meaningful and memorable.

At SamZ Tours Uganda, we are passionate about creating travel experiences that matter. When you book a trip to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with us, you’re not just visiting a destination—you’re becoming part of a story that’s rewriting Uganda’s conservation legacy.

So pack your walking shoes, your binoculars, and your spirit of adventure—and let us guide you into the wild heart of Uganda.